Young, House Honor Sgt. McKiddy with Road Naming

COLUMBUS — State Representative Tom Young (R-Washington Twp.) joined the Ohio House in unanimously voting in favor of House Bill 291, legislation to memorialize highways and bridges around the state. 

The legislation will name state Route 725 between South Union Road and Soldier Home Road in Montgomery County the Sgt. Gary Lee McKiddy Memorial Highway.

“Sgt. McKiddy is a real hero that risked his life to protect his fellow soldiers,” said Young. “It was an honor to be able to vote on legislation that will pay homage to his sacrifice to his country.”

Sgt. McKiddy was a 1968 graduate of Miamisburg High School prior to volunteering for the U.S. Army in 1969. Sgt. McKiddy served with the 1st Squadron, 9th Calvary Regiment, 1st Calvary Division as a door gunner during the Vietnam War. His helicopter was shot down during a mission. After the crash, Sgt. McKiddy returned to the helicopter to save the pilots. He was able to save one, but was killed by an explosion while attempting to save the second pilot. He died May 6, 1970.

Sgt. McKiddy earned four bronze stars with V device, 27 Air Medals and a Purple Heart while serving in Vietnam. He was posthumously awarded a Silver Star for his heroism.